Four Lejeune Marines killed in Afghanistan

AP

Camp Lejeune

February 20, 2010 3:25:51 PM PST

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. --

The United States Marine Corps has released the names of four Camp Lejeune Marines killed last week in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. According to 1st Lt. Evan Pettyjohn, the soldiers died February 18th during a hostile incident while conducting combat operations.

Johnson was a combat engineer assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. He joined the Marine Corps in October 2008 and was promoted to the rank of lance corporal on Dec. 1, 2009. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2009. His awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal.

McQueary was a motor vehicle operator assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. He joined the Marine Corps in January 2002 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant on Apr. 1, 2008. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March to August 2005 and April to November 2008. He deployed to Afghanistan is support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October 2009. His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He is survived by his wife.

Dunn was a rifleman assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. He joined the Marine Corps in August 2008 and was promoted to the rank of lance corporal on May 1, 2009. He deployed to Afghanistan is support of Operation Enduring Freedom in December 2009. His awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal.

Coutu was a rifleman assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2009 and deployed to Afghanistan in January. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.